chapter 6: social exchange theory Flashcards
social exchange theory (SET)
a theory based on the idea that people evaluate relationships in economic terms, weighing costs and rewards
rewards
elements of relational life with positive value
costs
elements of relational life with negative value
outcome
whether people continue in a relationship or terminate it
mutual dependence
the extent to which a desired outcome is dependent on not just one’s own behavior, but the behavior of a relational other
power
the degree of dependence a person has on another for outcomes
conflict
when two people’s desired outcomes don’t correspond with one another.
coordination
when people must work together to achieve desired outcomes
future interdependence
when the outcomes of one interaction affect subsequent outcomes and interactions.
information certainty
when partners believe they know what each other wants for an outcome
comparison level (CL)
a standard for what a person thinks he or she should get in a relationship
comparison level for alternatives (CLalt)
how people evaluate a relationship based on what their alternatives to the relationship are
behavioral sequences
a series of actions designed to achieve a goal
fate control
the ability to affect a partner’s outcomes
behavioral control
the power to change another’s behavior
